Browse 18,548 regulations from 36 regulators

Orders

The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may exempt pipelines up to 40 km long, previously constructed pipelines, and associated infrastructure (tanks, compressors, storage facilities) from specified regulatory provisions. Exemption applications must be decided within 300 days of complete submission; the Lead Commissioner may exclude certain periods with public disclosure, and the Minister may grant extensions. The Commission may impose conditions on exemptions.

Recovery of overpayment

Section 166 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes that overpayments to claimants, amounts paid under rescinded tribunal decisions, and excess amounts from amended decisions are debts owed to Canada, recoverable under the Financial Administration Act.

Interim tolls

The Canadian Energy Regulator may direct pipeline companies to refund tolls charged above just and reasonable amounts under interim orders, or recover shortfalls through subsequent tolls, with interest determined by the regulator.

Costs of making representations

The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may order pipeline companies to reimburse reasonable costs incurred by persons making representations at public hearings concerning pipeline routes, payable on an interim or final basis without delay.

Application of provisions in Part 6

Section 306 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act extends Part 6 regulatory provisions to offshore power lines in provincial waters. Pipeline transportation requirements are adapted for electricity transmission, with applicants and authorization holders required to comply with specified sections. Exemptions apply for facility-sharing and shared-use arrangements where regulatory leave or authorization conditions are obtained.

Governor in Council directions

Section 13 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act empowers the Governor in Council to issue binding policy directions to the Canadian Energy Regulator on broad matters within its regulatory mandate. All such directions must be published in the Canada Gazette and tabled in Parliament.

Conflict of Interest Act

Canadian Energy Regulator directors must disclose conflicts of interest, including direct involvement in hydrocarbon, electricity, or offshore energy production, trading, transmission, import/export; holdings of securities in energy corporations; and outside employment inconsistent with regulatory duties.

Vacancy

A vacancy in the Canadian Energy Regulator Commission does not impair the authority of remaining commissioners to perform their regulatory functions and duties.

Implementation of the Equal Access to Justice Act in Agency Proceedings

Administrative Remedies for False Claims and Statements

Specific Domestic Licenses to Manufacture or Transfer Certain Items Containing Byproduct Material

Licenses for Industrial Radiography and Radiation Safety Requirements for Industrial Radiographic Operations

Statutory Instruments Act

Section 92 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act exempts orders and directions issued by the Commission, designated officers, or inspection officers from statutory instrument classification when they apply to a single person or entity, a single regulated facility, or are issued immediately for safety, security, environmental protection, or property protection purposes.

Reasonable care

Facility holders under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act must exercise all reasonable care to ensure the safety and security of persons, regulated and abandoned facilities, property, and the environment.

Exemption orders

The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may issue conditional exemption orders relieving regulated facility holders from specific regulatory provisions when necessary to ensure safety and security of persons and facilities, protect property, or safeguard the environment.

Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance

Advisory Committees

Offence and punishment

Section 99 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes criminal penalties for violating CER orders or regulations. Penalties include fines up to CAD 1 million and/or five years imprisonment on indictment, or CAD 100,000 and/or one year on summary conviction.

Financial resources

Applicants for Canadian Energy Regulator authorizations must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover Commission-determined amounts through prescribed forms or Regulator-specified methods. Proof must remain valid throughout the duration of authorized work or activity.

Jurisdiction — Inuvialuit Settlement Region

The Canadian Energy Regulator has regulatory jurisdiction over onshore oil and gas operations in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region of the Northwest Territories until March 31, 2034. After that date, continued federal regulation requires mutual agreement between Canada and the Northwest Territories, renewable in successive 20-year periods or subject to earlier termination by agreement.

Prohibition — false statements or information

Section 107 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act prohibits knowingly making false or misleading statements or providing false information to inspection officers exercising regulatory powers regarding energy matters.

Application of provincial laws

Provincial electricity transmission laws apply to portions of international power lines located within provincial boundaries, establishing concurrent provincial jurisdiction over interprovincial and international electricity transmission infrastructure.

Grounds for making order

Section 109 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes inspection officers to issue orders directing persons to cease contraventions, implement compliance measures, or prevent hazards to safety, security, property, or the environment. Orders may suspend facility operations until remediation is complete, with mandatory written notice and reporting to the Commission.

Designation

Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act s. 141, the Governor in Council may designate pipeline operators whose companies experience unintended or uncontrolled releases of oil, gas, or commodities if they lack financial resources to cover response costs and compensation or fail to comply with regulatory orders. The Regulator may conduct response actions, authorize third parties with liability protection, and recover expenses from pooled financial arrangements or by reimbursing governments and Indigenous bodies.

Authority to enter

Section 103 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act authorizes inspection officers to enter non-dwelling facilities without warrant to verify compliance with energy regulations. Officers may examine equipment, access computer systems, conduct tests and sampling, take photographs, remove items for analysis, and direct operational changes. Property owners must provide reasonable assistance and access to documents and information.

Domestic Licensing of Source Material

Court of record

The Canadian Energy Regulator is established as a court of record with superior court powers, enabling it to compel witness testimony, demand document production, enforce orders, and inspect property. All proceedings must be handled expeditiously while maintaining procedural fairness and natural justice.

Liability of directors, officers, etc.

Directors, officers, agents, and mandataries of corporations are personally liable for penalties under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act if they directed, authorized, assented to, acquiesced in, or participated in a violation of the Act, regardless of whether the corporation itself is prosecuted.

Further information

The Canadian Energy Regulator may require applicants to submit additional information beyond standard application materials within a reasonable timeframe if deemed necessary to support the regulator's recommendation decision under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act.

Proof of violation

Section 119 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishes that a corporation may be held liable for violations committed by its employees, agents, or mandataries without requiring identification or separate prosecution of the individual actor.

Short title

This is the short title clause of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, establishing the official name of Canada's primary federal legislation for regulatory oversight and approval of energy projects.

Where certificate required

Under Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 258, the Governor in Council may designate international power lines by order to require certificate-based regulation instead of permits. Any existing permit must be revoked within 45 days of permit issuance. Once designated, no new permits may be issued and all applications must be processed as certificate applications.

Correction or cancellation of notice of violation

Under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act section 126, a designated person may cancel a notice of violation or correct errors within it at any time before the Commission receives a review request regarding that notice.

Power to act on own initiative

The Canadian Energy Regulator may independently initiate inquiries, hearings, and determinations on any matter within its statutory jurisdiction without requiring an external application or complaint.

Licenses, Certifications, and Approvals for Nuclear Power Plants

Debts to Her Majesty

Administrative provision under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act establishing that penalties imposed by the regulator are debts owed to the Crown, recoverable through Federal Court or other competent jurisdiction. Enforcement actions must be commenced within five years of the debt's due date.

Certificate

The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may issue certificates of non-payment for unpaid debts. When registered in Federal Court or any other competent court, these certificates have the same legal force and effect as court judgments for the certified amount plus registration costs.

Duty to consider — Commission

The Canadian Energy Regulator and its designated officers must consider potential adverse effects on Indigenous rights recognized under section 35 of the Canadian Constitution when making decisions, orders, or recommendations under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act.

Relief

The Canadian Energy Regulator Commission may grant applications wholly or partially and may impose additional or alternative relief beyond what was requested. This discretionary authority does not apply to certificate applications under Part 3 of the Act.

Use of government agencies

The Canadian Energy Regulator must utilize Government of Canada agencies to obtain technical, economic, and statistical information and advice when exercising its powers and performing duties under sections 80 to 84 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act.

Participant funding program

The Canadian Energy Regulator must establish a participant funding program to enable public participation, particularly Indigenous peoples and organizations, in regulatory hearings and proceedings related to energy projects under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act.

Publication

The Canadian Energy Regulator may publicly disclose the nature of violations, the identity of violators, and penalty amounts imposed under energy regulation.

Companies only

Section 179 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act restricts pipeline construction, operation, and abandonment to registered companies only. Existing pipelines built before October 1, 1953 may be operated or improved by any person, provided they comply fully with the Act.

Disposal of High-Level Radioactive Wastes in Geologic Repositories

Technical or specialized knowledge

The Canadian Energy Regulator Act permits the Tribunal to temporarily engage legal counsel, notaries, and technical specialists to support its operations, with duties and employment conditions prescribed by the Tribunal and compensation/expenses subject to Treasury Board approval.

Conditions

The Canadian Energy Regulator may impose any conditions it deems appropriate when issuing approvals for energy infrastructure projects, enabling tailored regulatory requirements specific to individual applications.

Payment by Regulator

Administrative provision requiring the Canadian Energy Regulator to pay remuneration and expenses for board members and staff as prescribed by the Canadian Energy Regulator Act.

Reconsideration

Section 168 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act allows the Tribunal to reconsider compensation decisions on its own motion or upon claimant application when extraordinary circumstances warrant reconsideration despite the public interest in finality. The Chairperson must notify all affected parties of any reconsideration proceedings.

Administrative Claims Under Federal Tort Claims Act

Regulations — Tribunal

Section 172 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act grants the Governor in Council authority to establish regulations governing the Canadian Energy Regulator Tribunal, covering member appointment conditions, conflict of interest rules, chairperson powers and duties, procedures for member transitions, staff employment terms, and operational governance to enable the Tribunal's functions.